Tres tightened his grip on the straps of his backpack, feeling the weight of the day ahead. It was a new neighborhood, a fresh start, but making friends was always the hardest part. He took a deep breath, determined to find someone who would see him for who he truly was.

Ryan spotted Tres lingering nearby and beckoned him over. "Hey, new kid! Wanna join us?" Tres hesitated for a moment, then walked over with a shy smile. Ryan seemed friendly enough, and Tres felt a spark of hope.

As the afternoon wore on, Tres began to notice that Ryan's jokes often came at the expense of others. "You’re not scared of a little mud, are you?" Ryan taunted, shoving Tres lightly. The laughter that followed wasn’t the kind Tres had hoped for, and he realized these weren’t the friends he needed.

Tres watched the other kids leave, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. He had learned something important today: not everyone who offered friendship meant it sincerely. "I don’t have to change who I am to fit in," he whispered to himself, a newfound determination settling in his heart.

Lila, who had seen how things unfolded yesterday, sat down next to Tres. "Hey, I saw what happened. Not everyone’s like that," she offered gently. They began to talk, and Tres found that conversation with Lila was easy, her kindness a balm to his hurt feelings.

Tres realized he didn’t need a crowd to feel accepted—just a few good friends who appreciated him for who he was. "Thanks for being a real friend," he said to Lila, who smiled in return. It was a new beginning, and this time, Tres knew he had found the right path.